Page 56 of Concede

Chapter 30

Tanner

When I walked into the house, I ducked my head down and tried to get upstairs as quickly as possible. Tears still plagued my eyes, and I was so caught up in my head I didn’t realize I zipped right past Dani who was trying to get my attention. I ran into my room and shut my door. Before I could flop down on my bed Dani came in behind me.

“Tanner, what’s wrong?” She asks as she takes in my tear soaked face.

I shake my head. “I’m fine.”

“You're not fine.” She pulls me down by my hand and we sit on the edge of the bed. She tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. “It’s my brother, isn’t it?”

A sob escapes me, and she wraps her arms around me. I cry so hard that snot bubbles come out my nose which is beyond embarrassing. She rubs my back and starts to sing Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” in my ear and I burst out laughing. Only Dani could make me laugh when I feel like my heart is in a zillion piece. I pull back and grab a blanket to wipe my face.

She touches my cheek. “You do know I didn’t buy the story about the sock, right?” She says with a raised eyebrow.

I sigh. “I’m sorry Dani.”

“Don’t be sorry T. I have seen the way he looks at you.”

I snort. “Yeah. Problem is he looks at everyone else too.”

“Guys suck.” She stands from the bed and holds out her hand. “Let’s go sleep in my room tonight.”

I take her hand and smile. “Thanks D.”

We spent the rest of the night talking. I told her everything about Maverick and what happened today. I thought she was going to fall off the bed when I told her he took my virginity. She is now on the “Maverick’s an asshole” train with me and I could not be more relieved that she doesn’t hate me for sleeping with her brother.

“Dani…. can I ask you something?” I say as I munch on a piece of popcorn.

“Shoot,” she says as she tosses a piece in her mouth.

“Have you and my brother like…...ever.” I scrunch my nose.

She gives a weak laugh. “We just…” I see a flash of sadness cross her eyes before she answers, “it’s complicated.”

I can see it’s a sore subject, so I retreat from any more questions.

“I guess when it comes to club men, they are all complicated,” I sigh.

“You're right about that.” She leans over and flips off the lamp. “Sleep well T.”

Today was the funeral. It was a nice ceremony. There were three hundred bikers there from clubs all over Louisiana. It’s crazy what a big family they really are. They may have some screwed up morals sometimes, but it is usually backed with good intentions. We hosted a big lunch at the clubhouse afterwards. It was packed with people sharing stories and celebrating Scar’s life.

I was coming out of my bedroom when Chasity reached the top of the stairs. Her nipples showed completely through her skintight dress and to be honest, she had on the ugliest pair of shoes I’ve ever seen. Classy.

She snarls at me and flips her blonde hair over her shoulder. “Get your eyes full the other night?”

“He’s all yours Chasity.” I adjust my dress and close my door.

“Damn right he is.” She crosses the hall, heading to Maverick's room. “You might want to stay downstairs for a while. It could get loud in here.”

Don’t react Tanner. It’s over.

She disappears into his room.

I feel the lump in my throat as I fight the urge to cry. I can’t go back down there. I push my door back open and as I close it, a black boot wedges between it. I know it’s him.

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” He tried to push through, but I leaned my shoulder against the other side.

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